This assignment is based on a Botulism outbreak that occurred in Argentina.
This assignment is based on a Botulism outbreak that occurred in Argentina.
Part One: Background and Description of the Outbreak:
Background: Foodborne botulism is a severe illness that results from ingesting a preformed toxin produced by a bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, in contaminated food. Death can occur in up to 60% of untreated cases; supportive care and immediate administration of the antitoxin have reduced mortality in the United States to less than 10%. Outbreaks of botulism have been linked to improperly preserved foods such as vegetables, fruits, and meats, including fermented fish products, sausages, smoked meat, and seafood. Outbreak Description: On January 13, 1998, an infectious disease doctor in a Buenos Aires hospital telephoned the Directorate of Epidemiology of the Argentine Ministry of Health (MS) to report two possible cases of botulism. The two patients, men, presented eyelid ptosis, double vision, dysphagia, and respiratory problems. The onset of symptoms for one patient was on January 5 and for the other on January 6. The doctor took serum and stool samples to determine the presence of botulinum toxin, but results were not yet available. These patients are truck drivers who follow a route during their work. On the way, they make stops to eat. They are not sure which of the food stops may have been the one that provided the contaminated food.
Question: Based on the knowledge acquired during this module,
What are the primary considerations you would consider as field epidemiology professional?
Part Two:
Characterize the Outbreak in terms of time, space, and person.
Source and Agent Transmission Mode.
Identify individuals at risk.
Question:
Would you initiate control measures at this time? What criteria would you consider when implementing control measures like this at the start of an investigation?